Knit a wonderful little snowman pal for your favorite person’s tree. Knit flat, so it’s perfect for beginners!
Design Story and Inspiration for This Easy Knitted Ornament
It’s that time of year again where I design for my annual Holiday Maker’s Challenge!! This is the 7th year that I have done the challenge, and I’m excited to be doing it again!
I designed this pattern as part of the 2025 Holiday Maker’s Challenge, where we encourage each other to work to our holiday deadline. There are a few criteria for our patterns in the challenge, which are:
1. Uses stash yarn
2. Is easy to intermediate
3. Is small so it doesn’t take a long time to make
4. Is well received by gift recipients
This pattern fits the bill because you can knock out SO many of these very quickly, which is great because we don’t have a lot of time until Christmas!
Yarn Options for Knit Ornaments
You can use ANY yarn you like for this pattern! Of course the size will turn out differently, but it will still work.
I chose to use Lion Brand Feels Like Butta, a worsted weight (category #4) yarn that has a great feel to it. Since I wanted this to be an ornament I didn’t want it to be too big.
Feel free to use any yarn in your stash that you like.
Pattern Details for this Beginner Knit Snowman Ornament
This pattern is knit completely on straight needles. I know many of you do NOT like to knit in the round, so I thought it would be great to have a project that is knitted flat.
If you want to knit it in the round, feel free! Just please keep in mind I added a selvedge stitch on each side to the body and the hat, so adjust accordingly if you want it to turn out the same as the sample.
Beginner Knit Snowman Ornament
What You’ll Need
Yarn: Lion Brand Feels Like Butta (Worsted weight, category #4), 1 skein each in white (A) and contrasting color of choice (B)
Knitting Needles: US Size 7 (4.50mm)
Notions: Safety eyes, Yarn needle, Polyester fiberfill, Scrap orange yarn, Scissors
Finished Size: Approximately 5” tall without pom pom
Stitch Abbreviations
Knit (k)Purl (p)
Knit 2 Together (k2tog)
Beginner Knit Snowman Ornament Pattern
Body
With two strands of A held together, cast on 26 sts..
Row 1: Knit.
Row 2: Purl
Rows 3-32: Repeat rows 1-2, working in Stockinette stitch (k1 row, p1 row).
Do not bind off.
You should have a rectangle (and yes, it will curl a bit, but no worries!):
Cut yarn, leaving a long tail for seaming. Thread your yarn needle, slip each stitch purlwise onto yarn needle, then pull tightly to close bottom.
Slipping my stitches onto the yarn needle:
If a small hole remains, sew shut. It should look like this when you are ready to move on:
Use the mattress stitch to seam back, then stuff firmly with fiberfill.
First I lined up my stitches (I use locking stitch markers to hold it in place):
Then I used the mattress stitch to seam the back:
Here is a great video from a designer friend (NOT my video) that walks you through the mattress stitch:
Stuff with fiberfill:
Place safety eyes on front (not shown).
Thread needle through cast on stitches and pull tightly to close.
To create neck, thread yarn through every other stitch about ⅓ of the way down from top.
I used my needle to weave in and out of the stitches:
Pull tightly to cinch neck, then wrap yarn around a couple of times and secure (this will be hidden by scarf).
Embroider nose with scrap orange yarn. Weave in ends.
Scarf (Worked in garter stitch)
With one strand of B, cast on 4 sts.
Knit each row until scarf measures 9” from beginning.
Bind off purlwise.
Hat
With one strand of B, cast on 36 sts.
Row 1: K2, *p2, k1; repeat from * to end.
Row 2: *P1, k1; repeat from * to last 2 sts, p2.
Rows 3-4: Repeat rows 1-2.
Rows 5-14: Knit odd rows and purl even rows.
Row 15: K2, *k2, k2tog; repeat from * to last 2 sts, k2 – 28 sts.
Row 16: Purl.
Row 17: K2, *k1, k2tog; repeat from * to last 2 sts, k2 – 20 sts.
Row 18: Purl.
Row 19: K2, *k2tog; repeat from * to last 2 sts, k2 – 12 sts.
Row 20: Purl.
Cut yarn, leaving a long tail for seaming.
Remove sts from needles same as body, sliding onto yarn needle and pulling tightly to close. Seam hat using mattress stitch. Sew or glue on pom pom if desired.
Finishing
Stitch hat and scarf in place with yarn tails.
Weave in all ends.
Attach hook or yarn for hanger, if desired.
Final Thoughts on the Beginner Knit Snowman Pattern
I hope you enjoy this pattern as much as I enjoyed designing it!!
Join me for our seventh annual holiday challenge – but only until December 25!
Happy Knitting!
Amanda
